The Apocrypha is one of the most debated collections of writings in Christian history. These books sit in a unique place between the Old and New Testaments and their status varies depending on which branch of Christianity you follow. For some believers, they are treasured as Scripture. For others, they are respected but not considered part of the inspired biblical canon. Understanding how many books are in the Apocrypha requires looking at the different traditions that shaped the Bible.
The Protestant Apocrypha
When people refer to the Apocrypha in the Protestant context, they usually mean a group of around fourteen books. In some Bibles they are grouped differently, which reduces the number to twelve, but the content remains the same. These books include Tobit, Judith, Wisdom of Solomon, Sirach, Baruch, the Letter of Jeremiah, First and Second Maccabees, additions to Esther and Daniel, and a few others such as First and Second Esdras and the Prayer of Manasseh.
The early editions of the King James Bible included these writings, though they were placed in a separate section. Over time, most Protestant churches decided they were not inspired Scripture, which is why modern Protestant Bibles generally do not contain them. However, they are still read and studied for historical and spiritual value.
The Roman Catholic Deuterocanonical Books
In Roman Catholic tradition, the picture looks different. Catholics recognize seven of the Apocryphal books as canonical and inspired by the Holy Spirit. These are Tobit, Judith, Wisdom of Solomon, Sirach (also called Ecclesiasticus), Baruch, and First and Second Maccabees. On top of these, Catholic Bibles also include additional sections in Esther and Daniel that are not present in the Hebrew version.
These writings are referred to as the deuterocanonical books, meaning “second canon.” The Catholic Church formally affirmed their status at the Council of Trent in the sixteenth century. This is why Catholic Bibles today contain more books than Protestant Bibles.
The Eastern Orthodox Collection
The Eastern Orthodox Church embraces an even broader collection of writings. Depending on the specific Orthodox tradition, there may be up to fifteen books in the Apocrypha. In addition to the ones found in Catholic Bibles, the Orthodox include First Esdras, Third Maccabees, Psalm 151, and sometimes even Fourth Maccabees as an appendix.
For Orthodox Christians, these texts are used in worship, teaching, and devotion. They are seen as valuable for the life of the Church and are treated with great respect as part of the sacred heritage of Christianity.
Why the Numbers Differ
The reason the number of books differs across traditions is due to history. The Hebrew Bible did not include these writings, but they were preserved in the Greek translation known as the Septuagint. Early Christians used the Septuagint widely, which explains why the books spread in the early Church. Later, debates about which writings were inspired led to different canons being recognized in Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox Christianity.
This history shows why some Bibles have sixty-six books, some have seventy-three, and others have even more. It is not that one tradition added books or another removed them but rather that different communities recognized different collections as authoritative.
Why the Apocrypha Still Matters
Even for Christians who do not see the Apocrypha as inspired Scripture, these books hold significant value. They provide insight into Jewish history, faith, and practice in the centuries leading up to Jesus. The Maccabees record a crucial part of Jewish resistance and victory that shaped Israel’s identity. The Wisdom literature such as Sirach and Wisdom of Solomon inspires reflection on godly living. Even the additions to Daniel and Esther expand on themes of faithfulness and courage.
Reading the Apocrypha can deepen understanding of the world into which Jesus was born. For many Christians, these texts build a bridge between the Old and New Testaments. They reveal how God’s people prayed, worshiped, and hoped for deliverance before the coming of Christ.
Final Thoughts
So how many books are in the Apocrypha The answer depends on where you stand. Protestants usually list twelve to fourteen books, Catholics recognize seven books plus additions to Esther and Daniel, and Orthodox Christians include up to fifteen. The differences highlight the diversity of Christian traditions and how each approaches the question of what belongs in the Bible.
Whether you see the Apocrypha as inspired Scripture or as historical writings, the texts remain a vital part of Christian heritage. They continue to be read in churches, studied in seminaries, and cherished by believers who want to grow in understanding of faith. Knowing how many books are in the Apocrypha is more than a matter of counting pages. It is a reminder of how God has guided His people across centuries and traditions, leaving us a rich collection of writings that still speak today.